Amazon is Shutting Down its Android AppStore; Here’s Why

Technology 34 Lynda Travis February 21, 2025

Lynda Travis

7 Posts

Amazon is Shutting Down its Android App Store

On February 20, e-commerce leader Amazon announced the discontinuation of its third-party Android Appstore for developers. This move signals a strategic shift in its mobile app ecosystem.

The Rise and Fall of the Amazon Appstore

Launched in 2011, the Amazon Appstore challenged Google’s Play Store. It provided Android users with an alternative app source. The store gained traction with exclusives and free app giveaways. It became the default hub for Amazon’s Fire tablets and TVs. Yet, it failed to attract the wider Android audience.

Amazon’s Official Statement

Amazon’s spokesperson explained the decision. “We’re discontinuing the Amazon Appstore on Android,” they said. The focus shifts to the Appstore on Amazon devices. Most customers engage with it there.

Why It Struggled

Sideloading the store was a hassle for Android users. Google Play offered over 3.5 million apps. Amazon’s store had only 530,000. The smaller catalog hurt its appeal. Many apps overlapped with Google Play. This made it hard to compete beyond Amazon’s hardware.

What Happens Next

You can’t buy coins anymore. Spend your balance by August. Unused funds will be refunded. Developers can’t submit new apps. They can update existing ones until the cutoff. After August 20, apps may not work, Amazon warns.

Broader Implications

This follows another exit. Amazon is pulling the Appstore from Windows 11 on March 5. Microsoft ended its Android subsystem. This double move shows Amazon is refocusing. The company prioritizes its gadgets over a broad Android push.

Impact on Users

Fire users won’t notice much. Android loyalists who used the store must adapt. Amazon could have persisted but chose to retreat. Perhaps it prefers enhancing its Fire OS ecosystem. The Android chapter of the Appstore closes now.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk’s xAI Unveils Grok-3 AI Chatbot to Compete with ChatGPT & DeepSeek

About the author

Lynda Travis

Lynda Travis has a passion for unraveling the world of technology and making it simple for everyone. From the latest gadgets to game-changing apps, she dives into how tech shapes our daily lives. With a knack for breaking down complex topics, Lynda helps readers stay informed, connected, and ahead in the digital age.